Nola wants nothing more than a summer on her own—and a job at an upscale Maine coast resort sounds ideal. She’ll have plenty of beach time between waitressing, some freedom from stresses back home, and the chance to make new friends. Enter Carly, the perfect pal: full of jokes, ideas, energy—and experienced at being away from her mysterious family. But Carly turns out to be much more complicated than the standard summer buddy

Gabe has shared fourteen years of growing up next door. He’s a “golden boy, an all-star”. Yet now, in the spring of 1975, he’s missing, disappeared on the brink of senior year at Weaver High. The whole town is set to go searching for him.

School & Library Visits

Programs for Children

Here is a sampling of my programs. I can always be flexible to your library or classroom needs.

Did That Really Happen To You?

(PreSchool – 3rd Grade)

Through lively storytelling, I will show young children how an author’s life experiences sneak their way into the writing of fiction. (25 – 45 minutes)

A Celebration of Differences

(Grades 2 – 4)

In this interactive workshop, I will share techniques I used when writing the Andy Shane and Winnie series to help readers come to know my characters and to celebrate their differences. Discussion of story conflict, research, and revision is included. (45 -60 minutes)

Seeing Through An Author’s Eyes

(Grades 3-8)

Quality details (those that go beyond the obvious or general) transform writing. In this workshop, I take students on a virtual road trip — the same journey Jack took in Small As An Elephant — and demonstrates how choosing the right details, and taking the time to expand moments, adds richness to the storytelling and character development. The sharing of “before” and “revised” scenes will also reinforce the power and value of revision.

What Makes A Good Story?

(Grades 4 – 12)

In this workshop I share what I’ve discovered as a writer of fiction. We discuss plot structure (including successful beginnings and endings), pacing, voice, and characterization. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of revision. (45 minutes – 1 hour)

"Almost every teacher has taken the time to let me know how much they and their students enjoyed your programs. Even some of the children have stopped me to say thanks! Not only was it a wonderful experience for the children, but also one of the best professional development days our teachers have had!"— Dawn Broderick, Reading Specialist

"We loved your presentation last evening. Your whole talk was like a story being told, close to us and far, up on your toes, crouching down, loud and soft... The kids (and we big kids too) were attentive and happy listeners. You are a gifted and creative presenter."— Pam Osborn, Maine Public Librarian

Details

I can do up to 4 presentations in a day. This can be 4 presentations (combined classrooms are fine); an assembly and three presentations; or three presentations and a parent evening.

Please try to familiarize the students with my stories ahead of time. Students who have heard my work (even if it’s a single chapter) bring excitement to the workshop and make deeper connections. Their questions go beyond “How many books have you written?” to “Why did you choose to [fill in the blank]? Think of the prior reading as building background knowledge for successful comprehension.

You may combine an author visit with a professional inservice.

Fees

$1,200 a day in northern New England (or $350 per presentation for less than 4)

$1,600 per school day in all other regions (plus travel expenses)

$350 single one hour public library or evening program (plus travel expenses beyond 50 miles)